Did you know that arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis (OA), became a growing concern, with 595 million people living with it in 2020? It is believed this number rose to 1 billion in 2050. Arthritis is very common in older adults and has many types. It damages joints and bones, causing pain, stiffness, and inflammation. Treating arthritis earlier can help slow the progression of this disease and prevent severe complications. Learn the available medical treatment for arthritis in this article. Visit the best Pain Management Clinic in Brooklyn at Doral Health & Wellness or log on to www.doralhw.org. to schedule an appointment with us.
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is a general term for joint and soft tissue inflammation and swelling. Your joints begin to wear down when the cartilage tissue gets damaged due to injury or wears out over time. This condition worsens over time, resulting in increased discomfort, decreased mobility, and even deformity of the joints.
Arthritis is a long-term condition that can deteriorate. Any time, symptoms can come and go. It’s the most common cause of long-term disability among American adults.
Symptoms
Stiffness and pain are common symptoms of arthritis. Other symptoms include:
- Swelling or inflammation of the joint.
- Skin discoloration.
- Sensitivity to touch or tenderness.
- Feeling of warmth around the joint.
- Reduce range of motion.
Natural and Medical Treatment
Arthritis treatment depends on several factors, including the type of arthritis, the underlying cause, and the affected joint. It has no cure, but with treatment, you can manage the symptoms and reduce the progression of this disease. Usually, medications and physical therapy are used as first-line treatment. Medications include –
- Over-the-counter (OTC) anti-inflammatory medicines like NSAIDs and acetaminophen can be bought without a prescription to ease the pain.
- Corticosteroids, if OTC medicines fail to improve pain. This medicine is prescribed to ease the pain.
- Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are prescribed if you’re diagnosed with rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis.
Besides medication, physical therapy is used to improve your strength and range of motion. If these treatments fail to improve your condition, surgery is recommended. In surgery, they remove the damaged joint and either replace the joint with an artificial one or join the joints with screws or pins.
In addition to medication and physical therapy, natural treatments are also used to alleviate pain and improve mobility. It includes:
- Acupuncture: It is an ancient Chinese medical practice where small needles are inserted into the skin at specific pressure points. This improves blood flow and releases the body’s own natural painkillers (endorphins) to ease the arthritis pain.
- Massage: Massage is a form of manual manipulation technique that uses light or moderate pressure on muscles to alleviate pain and increase mobility. However, in case you’re experiencing a particularly bad flare-up, it’s best to avoid putting additional strain on already-sore joints to take advantage of this treatment.
- Yoga: Yoga is a form of exercise that incorporates stretching, seating, standing poses, and a meditative state of mind. It is shown that yoga alleviates stress, promotes calmness, and lessens stiffness and pain in the joints.
- TENS therapy: TENS (Transcutaneous Nerve Stimulation) is a type of electrical stimulation that utilizes an electromagnetic current to stimulate the skin. Using electrodes, current is sent through the skin to treat swollen joints.
Global Awareness of Arthritis
18 programs are supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which aim to reduce arthritis symptoms in older individuals. It’s possible that these programs can also help patients manage other chronic diseases, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes.
A water aerobics fitness class using foam weights in a swimming pool. The attention paid to the arthritic women who participated in the programs was appreciated. The exercises’ aim is to improve balance, strength, and endurance for the elderly.
If you’re ready to take the next step in managing your pain, we recommend consulting with our healthcare provider to explore the right treatments or therapies for you. Always listen to your body and adjust your daily routine to prioritize your well-being. Visit Doral Health & Wellness Pain Relief Department in Brooklyn, to get professional help and guidance on how to manage your problem. Call us on + 1-718-367-2555 to get a consultation. If you need help learning coping methods, register your information and make direct contact with our doctors at https://yuz88hfiyh7.typeform.com/Doralintake. Log on to www.doralhw.org. Or visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11212.
